Chapter 1: His daughter, secluded.

Alexander sighed as he ran his hand through his light hair. He leaned back in his chair, letting his eyes drift over the letters and paperwork in front of him. The month was May, the weather was already starting to become hot and beautiful, and the company was busy transporting rich families to their desired holiday destinations and bringing them back in comfort, style, and of course - one piece. An unopened letter sat at the edge of his desk, the burgundy wax seal bearing the Phantomhive crest glared at him menacingly from it's spot, as if it was teasing him, prodding him, begging to be opened.

He could already feel the heat of the forthcoming summer's day, even though it was only 11 o'clock. Reaching forward, his hand hovers over the letter; his mind racing. Should he open it? Should he throw it out and pretend he had not received it, and when the impatient young lord would write again demanding to know why he had not responded - which he knew Ciel most definitely would - write back with the claim that his clumsy maid, Ada, had accidentally used it to light the fire in his study? No, he shook his head, That would not fare well, and Ciel would never believe him. His fingers finally touch the glossy envelope, picking it up carefully and slowly, feeling the smooth paper between his fingers. He brings the letter close to his chest, slowly peeling back the wax seal and removing the letter from its confinements. His eyebrow arched as he read over the delicate handwriting of the letter.

Dear Alexander,

I greatly appreciate your interest in a joint investment to both of our companies. I would like to invite you to the Phantomhive Manor for a formal reception, where we can discuss further the details of our agreement.

This will be a formal event, where others will also be invited to attend and celebrate our hopeful success as business partners and comrades.

Dress code is as follows:

Men are expected to wear their finest clothes and accessories. Women are expected to wear their most beautiful evening gown and heeled shoes.

You are invited to bring along your whole family if you wish to do so.

Yours sincerely,

Ciel Phantomhive, the head of the Phantomhive family and Funtom companies.

Alexander smiled at the paper in his hands. A night at the Phantomhive's? This was not a night to be missed.

"Oh, dear, how wonderful! You simply must take Cassius and January with you!" Violet gushed at her husband, utterly thrilled at the news of Ciel's invitation. Alexander smiled broadly at his wife, admiring her euphoria for such a simple event. Nodding in agreement, he turned to his son who was sat casually in a chair across the room.

"What do you say, Cassius? Will you help me lure your sister out of her bedroom to attend this fine event?" Grinning, Cassius lowered his book and let out a short laugh. Quickly rising from his seat, he confidently strides over to the desk his parents are standing at.

"But of course, father! What an honour it would be to discuss business with the Lord Phantomhive. However, we might run into a problem…" Alexander frowned at his son, noticing his change in mood. Raising his brow in confusion, he shoots his son a questioning glance. Cassius shrugs his shoulder sheepishly.

"You know January; she is a homebody at the best of times. I doubt she will willingly accompany us to this event." Cassius said lowly, as if it bothered him personally. He had never understood his younger sister. She was a good looking girl, who had many positive attributes, but she was such a recluse. She shut herself in her room, avoiding people for as long as possible. He had recalled from their childhood how she had shied away from every nanny, gardener and maid, never forming a real bond with anyone except for maybe the Lady Elizabeth. Cassius was brought away from his thoughts when he heard the door open, and the laughter of his youngest sister fill the room.

"Mother, father, look what Ada made for me!" She squealed as she bounded towards her parents, her tiny hands holding a small daisy chain. Aurora lifted it in the air above her head, a large grin spread across her face showcasing her pride. Ada, the family maid and Aurora's nanny, trailed in after her, grass stains on her apron. Violet scooped her youngest into her arms, gushing about how wonderful her creation was, and carried her off into the adjoining sitting room.

"Any sign of January today, Miss Ada?" Cassius asked gently, knowing the maid became flustered when around him. What could he say? He was an attractive man. A slight blush dusted her cheeks as she gently pushed a stray hair behind her ear.

"Yes, actually, sir… she is currently in the dining room. I believe she was looking at the gardeners through the window." She stated nervously, offering a small smile at the end. Cassius turned to his father with a mischievous look.

"Now Cassius, don't go teasing her. You'll scare her back into her room again." Alexander joked, "I worry one day, yourself and Aurora will be older with children of your own and she will still be in her room, alone." He had a solemn look upon his face. Cassius gently tapped his father on the back before he headed towards the door and into the corridor, travelling down towards the dining room where his hermit of a sister was supposedly observing the gardeners. Making his way down the large marble staircase, he made sure to keep his footsteps light; as one would when trying not to disturb an animal. A silent gasp spread across his face as he approached the large doors of the dining room.

There she was; standing still at the windowsill, her head turned to look out at the acres of lush green grass and flowers. She was like a painting, the light hitting the angles of her face in all the right places; giving her an ethereal look. Her dark brown hair was loosely curled and pulled to this side by a pale blue ribbon. Her lips were slightly pursed and a look of gentle enjoyment was etched upon her soft features. Today, January wore a pale grey dress that was adorned with small white ruffles, and a lace panel along her collarbone. Cassius grinned and gently knocked on the dining room door, alerting her of his presence. Startled, she turned away from the windowsill quickly.

"Sorry, I wasn't trying to disturb you." He said gently as he approached his younger sister. She smiled at him warmly and allowed him to envelope her in a comforting hug.

"You didn't, don't worry. It's just so much quieter in my room. I become startled by the smallest of sounds now when I leave my bed." He laughs lightly at her comment, knowing that she is embarrassed by how much time she spends alone in her room.

"I have some news for you," he starts, as he gestures for his sister to sit with him on the chaise lounge at the end of the large room. Brushing her skirts under her, January sits next to him, her eyes filled with intrigue.

"What? Are you finally picking a date for your wedding to the lady Mercy?" She asks hopefully. He shakes his head no, and noticies her shoulders slump slightly.

"Not yet, but I will soon, I promise!" He declares happily to his sister. "Father has been invited to the Lord Phantomhive's estate for a formal evening to discuss some business arrangements. He would like it if you accompanied us to the event." January smiled a large smile, filling Cassius with joy. He had been gone for so long now, he has forgotten what it looked like when she smiled. She was the image of their mother.

"Oh, but of course! I will get to see Lizzie again!" She proclaimed excitedly. Cassius was slightly shocked at the excitement his sister showed, but he was glad she agreed nonetheless. Maybe this would also help his parents choose a fiancé for her.

Maybe.

January rushed to her feet, hurrying up to her room to look through her closet for a dress to wear. She felt so much excitement to see her cousin again, one of the only people she had ever felt a true connection with. She was also excited to finally meet the Queen's Watchdog and his elusive butler; whom she had heard so much about. Their tasks and excursions that involved so many villainous characters, so much bloodshed and the odds that always seemed to be stacked so highly against them; and how they conquered each and every one of them, leaving nothing in their wake.

They were a truly triumphant pair.

January collapsed back onto her bed with a sigh. Maybe I should leave my room more often, she thought to herself.